Opiate pills detox

I was an alcoholic and I had acute pancreatitis 3 times. The pain was really bad. It even made me quit drinking and that was something I did not think I could ever do. Now I have had another attack even though I have not drank in 8 months and the doctors say I probably have pancreatitis for the rest of my life and it might even kill me unless I really take care of my body. I am not drinking at all anymore but I am abusing percocets and vicodins and nortabs and sometimes even heroin. I am addicted to opiates. I am only 42 and I am not ready to die. I want to quit drugs forever. I want to take Suboxone. But what I want to know is what will happen to me if I go on Suboxone and I get a sudden attack? Will I be able to take morphine on the IV like usual?

Jill Edwards Says...

No first of all congratulations on stopping drinking. As you say, in a way your had little choice with the pain and illness of pancreatitis. Many people have told me how debilitating the pain of pancreatitis is and I am sorry that you have had a return of it. Clearly now you are realising that you are going to have a look at your health in general, and you are seeing that the major obstacle is the addiction to opiates. I notice that the tablets you take have a variety of substances in them, not just opiates, so this detox could be complicated in its effects. It looks to me as though you would need to follow a reducing programme, so your overall health is not too affected by the changes you are making.

My first and important advice is that you contact your doctor, then you get the support of a drugs agency who are familiar with detoxing from prescription medicines. There is something known as the Thomas method for detoxing. Though you may not follow it without your doctor's permission, it does indicate various practices which help with the side effects of detoxing. Slower is better in this process as going too fast can have effects on your mental health.

Also make sure you have friends, or preferably membership of AA or NA, so there are people around who can be supportive on the low days.

You can consult your doctor about taking Suboxone, but it seems to me that a simple but slow detox from the medication you have would be more straightforwards. As the levels of pain medication reduce, you may then have to deal with the pain itself. I think you could have support from a pain relief clinic, who can give some alternative support.

Finally, you will probably have to make changes to your diet, to give you as much help as you can get with the pancreatitis. I think that food which promotes a healthier liver will also help you. See if you can speak to a nutritionist.

Most people recommend that you have some regular exercise, which helps to reduce depression during or after detox, and would also help with the circulation and health in general.

Briefly then, don't rush into this, do your research and preparation, take an overall approach with a long term view, get support and information from the doctors and professional drugs advisors, your circumstances are complicated and safety first is paramount. My warm wishes go to your success